'Inadequate' Sheffield school taking 'effective action' to improve standards

Yewlands Academy, on Creswick Lane, Grenoside, was placed into special measures by the education watchdog following an inspection on October 6, 2015.

Leadership, teaching, and outcomes for pupils were all branded inadequate while behaviour in the classroom 'required improvement'.

But inspectors who visited the school as part of the special measures requirements found action plans the school had put in place were 'fit for purpose'.

Officials also urged the school not to appoint newly qualified teachers while under special measures.

In a letter sent to the school, Ofsted inspector Gina White said: "Having considered all the evidence I am of the opinion that at this time, leaders and managers are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures.

"The trust’s statement of action is fit for purpose and the school’s action plan is fit for purpose.

"Having considered all the evidence I strongly recommend that the academy does not seek to appoint newly qualified teachers."

Head teacher Chris Weston said the report was a boost to staff and students.

“It tells us we are going in the right direction and what we are doing is working,” he said.

“We know there remains a huge amount to do but this is a vote of confidence and a boost to everybody involved in the academy.”

The school turned into an Academy in 2012 and is run by Wakefield City Academy Trust.

WCAT interim Chief Executive Officer Mike Ramsay was also pleased with the progress.

He said: “We are working with the academy to ensure our students get the best possible education and achieve their potential.

“We all know there remains a lot of work to be done. The report highlights the additional resource the Trust has provided and that it is helping to move it forward swiftly.”

The school achieved best its ever GCSE results in the summer as 53 per cent of pupils received five A* to C grades including English and Maths - a 13 per cent rise on the previous year.